Danny Lee Boyd, a longtime resident of Carbondale, Illinois, born on January 30, 1943, in Parsons, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on October 12, 2024.
Danny was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Pratt Boyd Miller; stepfather, Carl Miller; father, Laurence Lee Boyd; stepmother, Thelma Boyd; and his sister, Carolyn Boyd Townsend, along with her husband, H. L. Townsend.
In addition to his devoted wife of 51 years, Marsha Lynn Evans Boyd, whom he married on March 23, 1973, Danny is survived by his loving children: Jennifer Boyd Keller and her husband, Greg; Kimberly Boyd Tarver; and Christopher James Boyd and his wife, Kimberly. Danny was a proud grandfather, aka “Poppa,” to Thomas Wyatt Keller, Avery Keller, Malaya Tarver, Miana Tarver, Makahri Tarver, Miavahni Tarver, Matiah Tarver, Delaney Boyd, and Adelyn Boyd. He eagerly anticipated the arrival of his first great-grandson, Thomas Lee Keller, due in April.
His siblings also survive Danny: Glenda Gail Boyd Markham and her husband, David; Sandra Lee Boyd Powell and her husband, Timothy; Pamela Annette Miller Hastings and her husband, Keith; Jeanne Lynn Miller Smith and her husband, Ronnie; Vicky Shawn Miller Dodson and her husband, Mac; and Ronnie Kyle Miller and his wife, Rhonda. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.
Danny answered the call to ministry early in life and became known to many as Reverend Danny Boyd or Brother Boyd. Over his 50-year career as a pastor, he served congregations nationwide, including churches in Napa, CA; Houston, TX; and Menlo Park, CA. However, his heart found its home in Carbondale, IL, where he spent the majority of his ministry pastoring at New Life Covenant Church. Throughout his ministry, Reverend Boyd became known for his extraordinary generosity and selfless love for others. He served as a shepherd, mentor, confidant, and friend to countless people. His kindness and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Danny was a standout athlete and a 1961 graduate of Camden Central High School, where he set a TSSAA basketball scoring record by scoring 104 points in a game against Clarksburg. Despite receiving multiple scholarship offers to play college basketball, he chose to pursue ministry, dedicating over five decades to serving others. In 2011, on the 50th anniversary of his record-setting game, he was honored at Camden Central High School in a special ceremony attended by family, teammates, and friends. Danny was also inducted into the Benton County High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
Danny never met a stranger. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people, making them feel valued and welcome from the moment they crossed his path. Over the years, he and Marsha invited dozens of people into their home for fellowship, food, and meaningful conversations. Their door was always open, and their hospitality knew no bounds, creating a legacy of warmth and community for all who knew them.
After over five decades in ministry, Danny continued his lifelong passion for serving others as the owner and full-time manager of Boyd’s Uniforms & More, a retail store in Carbondale. For over 15 years, he formed deep connections with countless customers who walked through the doors. Whether helping a nurse find the perfect uniform or offering a kind word to someone in need, Danny’s warmth and generosity extended far beyond the pulpit. His presence at the store became a beacon of encouragement and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
“Poppa” adored spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He was always their biggest and most enthusiastic cheerleader in everything they set out to do, encouraging and helping them see their true potential. Known for his silly phrases and spontaneous Elvis impersonations of “You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound Dog,” Poppa Bear filled his home with laughter and love. Beyond the fun, he taught his children and grandchildren to stand up for what they believed was right, to be ambitious, self-starters, and, above all, to be kind and compassionate. More than anything, Danny wanted to know that his children and grandchildren had faith in God and trusted His will for their lives. His family will forever cherish his guidance and unwavering support.
Danny’s life was a testament to love, laughter, faith, and cherished moments with family. His warmth, humor, and unwavering generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life for Danny Boyd will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kokopelli Golf Course Event Center, located at 1527 Champions Drive, Marion, IL. We invite family and friends to join us in honoring his memory and sharing stories of his remarkable life. Further details will be shared through Facebook, email and text messages.
Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale entrusted with arrangements.
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